Pharmacology: Non-Insulin Agents

Prim Care. 2022 Jun;49(2):315-326. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2021.11.010. Epub 2022 Apr 22.

Abstract

The landscape of diabetes treatment has evolved significantly in recent years. While metformin remains first-line for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, 2 new classes of medications (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide agonists) are becoming mainstays in therapy. These classes boast strong efficacy and desired long-term outcomes, offering cardiovascular and renal protection, as well as other benefits such as weight loss and low risk of hypoglycemia. Most recent guidelines have highlighted the importance of using shared decision making and patient-centered choices when determining medication outcomes.

Keywords: Diabetes pharmacology; Diabetes treatment; Non-insulin; Type 2 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / drug therapy
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / pharmacology
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Metformin* / therapeutic use
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Metformin